Fire and Water | 1

A supplement to Gold Country Media in partnership with Placer County Water Agency

SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA | Summer 2020 | FIRE AND WATER | 1

FIRE AND WATER TABLE OF CONTENTS A supplement to Gold Country Media in partnership with Placer County Water Agency 04 Gold Country Media Associate Publisher: 06 Bill Sullivan, 916-351-3750, [email protected] 10

Multi media director: 14 John Love, 916-774-7939, 1030 High Street, Auburn, [email protected] CA 95603 18 530-885-5656, Advertising sales: thepresstribune.com, 20 Debbrah Campbell, Penny Martinez auburnjournal.com, Beth O’Brien, Gayle Scott theloomisnews.com, 22 Shoni Jones, Julie Robledo theplacerherald.com, Susie Reid, Josh Pacheco lincolnnewsmessenger.com 24

Gold Country Media Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced 26 Graphic Designer: without written permission of the publisher. Barbara Benavidez, 530-852-0291, The publisher shall not be responsible for any liabilities arising from the publication of 30 [email protected] copy provided by any advertiser. Further, it Shaden Solanji, 537-852-0237, shall not be liable for any act of omission on the part of the advertiser pertaining to 33 [email protected] their published advertisement.

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2 FIRE AND WATER | Summer 2020 | SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA Is this fire hazard out YOUR back window? Call

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BEFORE AFTER

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The concentration of flammable material in the fuel With the trees trimmed up and the brush cut break before it was cleared six years ago would back the area looks like a park and allows burn too hot to go near and even if a firefighter firefighters to set up an offensive front could get near the blaze it wouldn’t make a against a fire. difference, Fire Chief Mark D’Ambrogi said. FREE ESTIMATES! • Tree Service • Brush Clearing • Weed Abatement Contact Us For • Blackberry & Poison Oak Your FREE Guidebook: • Fire Breaks What It Takes For A Fire Safe & Fabulous Looking Home site

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SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA | Summer 2020 | FIRE AND WATER | 3 PCWA GENERAL MANAGER

t is my pleasure to introduce the 2020 edition of Fire & One such solution is our French Meadows Forest Restoration Water. This is an annual publication produced by Placer Project, which is a first-of-its-kind, public-private partnership to ICounty Water Agency (PCWA) in partnership with Gold protect a critical watershed through active forest management. Country Media to highlight the many challenges and opportuni- The project is highlighted in this magazine on pages 26-28 ties associated with natural resources stewardship in the region. (Prescribed Fire in the Tahoe National Forest). This year, we have invited our colleagues from other local This year’s magazine also includes tips from a number of agencies and citizen groups to contribute to the conversation your local utilities to prepare for the upcoming fire season. about how our region is dealing with two of the most important This includes establishing defensible space around your issues facing Placer and Nevada counties. property and using water efficiently. 2020 has been another For PCWA, the nexus between fire and water is clear. Six- dry year; and, while we are fortunate that previous generations ty-five percent of California’s water supply comes from the of Placer residents invested in the infrastructure necessary to forested watersheds that make up the Sierra Nevada Mountains provide a reliable water supply, stretching every drop of water and nothing causes more degradation to water supply and water inside and outside your home and business helps all of us quality than a mega forest fire. guarantee that we have water for future dry years. Nearly six years ago, the King Fire ravaged the American My hope is this edition of Fire & Water will provide a deep- River watershed which is one of PCWA’s primary water sources. er appreciation of what is required to ensure the reliability, We are still dealing with the effects of that fire today. From de- affordability and sustainability of our water resources and our stroyed watershed ecosystems to landslides and sediment in our ecosystem. We are grateful for the participation of our local water supplies, our customers, our citizens and visitors to our contributors and sponsors to provide this magazine to you, area all suffer the consequences. It has focused PCWA on solu- and we hope you find the contents useful for your farm, home tions that reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and mitigate or business. the effects of all fires that occur in our watersheds.

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Auburn shaded fuel break

ignificant progress has been made on the Auburn and transitioning from a uniform prescription with contiguous Shaded Fuel Break (ASFB), which is located on lands boundaries, to a ‘landscape-style’ prescription, which allows Sowned by the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) for scalability in determining adequate width and degree of in the wildland-urban-interface (WUI) between the City of Au- fuel reduction necessary to account for site-specific features burn and Reclamation lands in the Auburn State Recreation that exist on the landscape such as variations in fuel types, Area (ASRA). fuel densities, slope, topography, ignition sources, prevailing In September 2019, Reclamation completed an update winds, residential density, etc., while incorporating natural to the nearly twenty-year-old ASFB prescription, which was breaks and/or non-burnable landscape features into the proj- originally developed in 2002 in collaboration with the Califor- ect area. nia Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the Simultaneously, substantial progress has been made on California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks), constructing the ASFB thanks to a $1.9 million fuel reduction and Reclamation. The 2002 prescription defined a 250-acre, grant awarded to Placer RCD through California’s Climate 5.5-mile long, contiguous 300-foot-wide linear shaded fuel Investment Program (CCI). Using private contractors and work- break atop the North Fork American River Canyon along ing under the oversight of Auburn Fire through an existing the eastern city limits of Auburn, CA between South Auburn agreement between Auburn Fire and Reclamation, Placer RCD and the Foresthill Bridge. This prescription had served as has completed 120 acres of fuels treatment within the ASFB the guiding document for construction and maintenance of with an additional 150 acres planned for construction this the ASFB; however, increases in fire behavior, intensity and summer/fall. In addition to project oversight, Auburn Fire frequency throughout the west over the last decade prompted has assisted the contractors with services including providing Reclamation to re-evaluate the prescription to reflect current an engine crew and other key efforts to monitor and direct fire conditions. construction activities. The 2019 update was developed by Reclamation with input An additional 15 acres of the ASFB was completed earlier and consultation from Cal Fire, State Parks, the City of Au- this year by the California Conservation Corps (CCC) in very burn Fire Department (Auburn Fire), and the Placer County steep terrain between State Parks’ ASRA Headquarters and the Resource Conservation District (Placer RCD), which include Auburn neighborhoods of Olive Orchard and Aeolia Heights. increasing the maximum width of the ASFB from 300 feet to The CCC has been constructing portions of the ASFB since 600 feet; extending the northern end of the ASFB by 2 miles 2012 under a Cooperative Agreement with Reclamation’s Cen- from the Foresthill Bridge to the Cal Fire station in Bowman; tral California Area Office in Folsom, CA.

6 FIRE AND WATER | Summer 2020 | SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA PLACER RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

μ Modified ASFB (421 Acres) Current ASFB 250 Acres)

0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000

Feet

SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA | Summer 2020 | FIRE AND WATER | 7 Is it time to spruce up your sprinkler system? PCWA has rebates available to help with the cost of high-efficiency rotator sprinklers, drip irrigation, and weather-based sprinkler timers! Visit pcwa.net/rebates

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TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU ANDERSON’S Serving the Foothills for 41 years SIERRA PIPE CO. 530.823.1200 530.272.7251 10230 Ophir Rd. 418 E. Main St. 825 Nevada St., Auburn • 885-8475 NEWCASTLE GRASS VALLEY • Mon-Fri 7am-5:30pm • Sat 8am-5pm PROTECT AMERICAN RIVER CANYONS

Rafting and Kayaking Auburn's American River Confluence Parkway

uburn’s American River Con- the water usually arrives at the Confluence (personal flotation device) fluence Parkway (“ARCPark”) around 4 PM. Plan on 2-3 hours • Awareness of the risks of swimming in includes the North Fork from float time to reach Birdsall. See www. A the river if you fall out of the boat in Lake Clementine to China Bar and dreamflows.com for the morning Middle a rapid: the Middle Fork from Mammoth Bar Fork release (Tunnel Chute) and for real - Float with feet pointed downstream to its confluence with the North Fork. time North Fork flows above the PCWA for protection from rocks; The river flows through a spectacular Pump Station. (PCWA plans to release th - Do not try to stand up in swift water beautiful canyon with areas of steep rock early recreational flows on July 19 and th th to avoid a foot getting trapped between walls, sandy beaches, and access to hiking 25 , August 1st, and September 4 , so on trails, just a stone’s throw from the City those days it will be possible to start from rocks; of Auburn. It includes several whitewa- the confluence around noon.) - Swim away from brush and tree limbs ter runs of varying degrees of difficulty This run was opened for boating in 2008 to avoid “strainers” that can trap you. described in detail in Protect American after the diversion tunnel at the Auburn River Canyons’ American River Insider’s Dam site was closed and the river was HOW TO RUN THE RIVER… Guidebook. restored to its historic channel. A class The popular Class II, four mile long 2+ Olympic quality set of rapids was First, it is necessary to arrange a shuttle, stretch of the North Fork from its constructed at the site of the PCWA pump usually by leaving a vehicle at the Birdsall confluence with the Middle Fork to station, as well as a paved portage trail river access at the end of the China Bar China Bar’s Birdsall river access is a that makes it possible to run the rapids access road off of Maidu Drive, an ASRA summertime afternoon favorite when over and over again. fee area, or arranging to be picked up after minimum river flows are in the 1,000 your trip. At the end of the paved China cubic feet per second (cfs) range or higher. SAFETY FIRST Bar access road, adjacent to the paved parking lot, take the left fork to the Birdsall The run is convenient with easy access This guide is based on usual summer parking area at the end of the road, just from the City of Auburn. Currently this flows. Spring run-off flows are cold and past the river access ramp for boat loading. section is only available for boating 4 days fast, and for expert boaters only. per week, Friday through Monday, the To reach the put-in, return to Maidu Drive, days that State Parks opens China Bar Planning for a safe river experience turn right on Auburn-Folsom Road, then access. includes: turn right on High Street, and continue onto Highway 49 into the canyon to the For updated access information, Quality inflatable boat of a size • Confluence. contact State Parks at 530-885-4527 or suitable for the number of boaters, check www.parks.ca.gov for Auburn State with multiple air chambers, and The usual put-in is under the curved Recreation Area (ASRA) information. paddles for each person. Inflatable bridge at the confluence, also a fee parking Summer recreational boating flows for and hardshell river kayaks are also area. On busy days, to avoid a long boat this section are released each morning suitable for this run. carry, you can unload your boat at the from PCWA’s Oxbow Reservoir, some 23 kiosk and restroom area before finding a miles upstream on the Middle Fork, and • Snug-fitting life jacket or PFD parking spot.

10 FIRE AND WATER | Summer 2020 | SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA PROTECT AMERICAN RIVER CANYONS

MILE BY MILE GUIDE TO THE RIVER are ancient Jurassic mudstones, which PARC AMERICAN RIVER GUIDE BOOK: are more resistant to erosion and American River Insider’s form the high walls along the river. Mile 0 Put-in under the Old Foresthill Guidebook to the North, Middle Bridge. This short section of the and South Forks: Includes a wealth free-flowing North Fork is shallow Mile 2.5 Tamaroo Bar was of information to help you explore and rocky at usual summer flows until established in 1852 and named after Auburn SRA’s rivers mile-by-mile, it joins the Middle Fork. the ship Tahamaroo, which in 1849 trails, camping, history and flora and brought the first miners around Cape fauna. The book features detailed Horn to San Francisco. Mile 0.2 Flip-Flop rapid: A sharp river and trail maps and access left turn in the river pushes boats information. towards the right shore and rocks. Mile 3.3 Auburn Dam Diversion NOTE DANGER: After you go under Tunnel: On river left the tunnel is PARC WATERPROOF AUBURN STATE the Highway 49 bridge, watch out now permanently closed and sealed. RECREATION AREA RIVER AND TRAILS for concrete and steel debris hazards Mesh wire fencing marks the spot. MAP: from the 1964 collapse of the former Mile 3.5 Pump Station-Rocky Auburn State Recreation Area Trails bridge. Detailed waterproof Island Rapids: Run the left channel and River Map: featuring Olympic aquatic park- trails and river boating map of the Mile 0.3 Mountain Quarries quality man-made rapids. A series of Auburn State Recreation Area that Railroad Bridge: The graceful includes rules, regulations, safety arches of the bridge completed in drops that are best run straight down the middle. Use the concrete portage and access information to the Auburn 1912 come into view. Locally known SRA. as “No Hands Bridge,” hikers, trail on river left to repeat the rapids. The right channel is the inlet area for The book and map are available at runners and equestrians cross the the Protect American River Canyons river here. PCWA’s pumping station that delivers water to western Placer County, and is website: not suitable for boating. www.parc-auburn.org Mile 0.6. Condemn Bar: Riffles followed by a left turn then a splashy Mile 3.8 China Bar’s Birdsall river Protect American River Canyons wave train. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, access and take-out. A boat ramp leads up the hill to the parking area. founded in 1972 and dedicated to the Mile 0.7 to 1.5 The river has a remote protection of the natural, recreational wilderness feel as it passes through a This is the recommended take-out for all except expert boaters, who can and cultural resources of the North stretch of polished rock and cathedral and Middle Forks of the American cliff formations with sandy beaches, add over a mile of class 2-3 rapids by continuing on to the Oregon Bar take- River for all to responsibly care for cobble bars and blazing stars. The and enjoy. rock walls of the canyon in this area out.

SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA | Summer 2020 | FIRE AND WATER | 11 FIRE: DEFENSIBLE SPACE

BY SCOTT SERENBETZ, BUSHWACKERS, INC. lowed and dried grasses, leaves and brown South- and southwest-facing slopes tend needles. to have drier material. Once you’ve ou may think the worst thing • HEIGHT OF GRASSES set out to tackle hazardous vegetation, carefully evaluate the risk of doing the about your overgrown property Shrubs and flowers exceeding 18 is that it’s simply an ugly mess. work yourself before you assume it’s a Y inches. good idea. But did you know that the same conditions that make it unattractive also make Do you have access to the appropriate • MASSES OF PLANTS OR BRUSH it a fire hazard? All it takes is one spark equipment and safety gear? Will steep or to ignite a patch of brush or pile of dried Referred to as a “horizontal layer” of rocky terrain, equipment operation or leaves and the resulting damage to your vegetation. exposure to poison oak and rattlesnakes land — or worse, to your home — can be compromise your safety? Many people devastating. • TOO MANY FLAMMABLE SHRUBS try to perform the work themselves to save money. In the interest of getting the Take a look at the following list to Including manzanita, bear clover/ job done correctly, safely and in a timely identify if there are hazardous conditions mountain misery, buck brush, Scotch/ manner, don’t skimp on your budget, on your property. Spanish broom, juniper, blackberry and even if it means that spending a little incense cedar. more to get help from a professional • LACK OF “DEFENSIBLE SPACE,” service company. Which is simply the area around your • TREES AND PLANTS AT VARYING HEIGHTS Finally, implement an annual mainte- house where the plant material has been nance routine to keep your property safe. modified to reduce wildfire intensity. Con- Located next to each other, referred to Every year, revisit the things that make tact your local fire safe council or CalFire as “ladder fuel.” Flames will “climb” up your property a fire hazard and address for defensible space requirements. the ladder created by the varying heights. those that need attention. Remember, there’s a bonus in making your property • DEAD PLANT MATERIAL • SLOPED AREAS fire safe — it’s bound to look better and On the property including dead trees On your property can have an influ- be more usable, too. and shrubs, dead branches lying on the ence on fire behavior. The steeper the For more information, contact Scott Serenbetz, ground or still attached to plants, yel- slope, the faster the fire will spread. president of Bushwackers, Inc.

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SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA | Summer 2020 | FIRE AND WATER | 13 CAL FIRE NEVADA YUBA PLACER UNIT/PLACER COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT

he Men and Women of the Placer County Fire HOW DOES CAL FIRE AND THE PLACER COUNTY FIRE Department (PCFD) have a proud history of serving DEPARTMENT INTEGRATE THEIR SERVICES? Tour communities within Placer County. Through a As the largest all risk fire department in the State, CAL long standing Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement with FIRE provides effective service models to local governments, CAL FIRE, first initiated in 1974, we integrate state and while reducing the costs through contracting efficiencies. local firefighting resources into an effective and seamless fire department. From our eight career staffed stations and five In our agreement, Placer County provides the fire stations volunteer stations, we provide all risk fire and emergency and fire apparatus and contracts with CAL FIRE for highly medical services to a 475 square mile territory stretching trained, professional firefighters. from the dense urban valley floor to the crest of the Sierra. The biggest strength in our relationship with Placer Coun- Your PCFD provides service to over 58,000 residents and ty are the Value-Added Benefits that come with the CAL FIRE businesses in unincorporated Placer County and protect over contract. By leveraging the resources from the State, Placer 6.7 billion in private property and infrastructure. Last year, County and CAL FIRE leverage a full scope of expertise in the the Placer County Fire Department responded to over 9,900 mitigation of major incidents including wildfires, flooding, calls for service. and disasters, while collaborating on community protection

14 FIRE AND WATER | Summer 2020 | SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA CAL FIRE NEVADA YUBA PLACER UNIT/PLACER COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT projects like the North Fork American project. emergency services is an ever changing model. Placer County has more habitable structures within our high fire danger areas than any other County in the State. The protection of WHAT ARE THESE VALUE ADDED BENEFITS BETWEEN CAL FIRE those lives, properties, and structures in our communities is AND THE PCFD? my top priority as the State Unit Chief and the County Fire The Placer County Fire Department staffs several special- Chief. ized teams and programs including our Hazardous Materials Response Team, Technical Rescue Team, Swiftwater Rescue Team, and in partnership with the Placer County Sheriff, our WHAT CAN THE PUBLIC DO TO HELP IN THIS EFFORT? Tactical Emergency Medical Team. We have a robust network of community-based organiza- CAL FIRE and PCFD work together to provide Advanced tions including fire safe councils and Firewise communities. Life Support and Paramedic services, firefighting aviation As we move forward, we need public efforts and objectives to operations, heavy equipment and hand crew operations, pre- be prioritized across the County, measurable and obtainable, fire planning and mitigation, loss prevention, fire prevention, and consistent with Fire Department priorities. arson investigation, Fleet Management, Logistics, and Com- Be active, get engaged, and be a part of your community mand and Control 911 dispatching services out of the Grass when it comes to fire safety. Sign up for Placer Alert, com- Valley Emergency Command Center. mit to defensible space around your home and property, and understand evacuation preparation and planning. WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING THE PLACER COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT INTO THE FUTURE? WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF THE PLACER COUNTY The PCFD is an amazing Fire Department and our support FIRE DEPARTMENT? and trust from the Board of Supervisors and our Executive I believe the PCFD has a bright future. We are working on Office is second to none. We face many of the same challenges efforts to regionalize services across our jurisdiction, plan- as our allied fire agencies in Placer County in that the costs ning for development mitigation in western Placer County of providing services and the demand for those services is and planning to increase EMS service levels across all of our ever increasing. Our call volume goes up 5% annually and we stations in the County. We will continue to work closely with struggle to meet those increased demands on current reve- the public and the Board of Supervisors to understand Coun- nues. ty priorities, and to work through fiscal impacts to our fire Another challenge is the changing face of service demands services. I am so proud to serve as your Placer County Fire on the fire service. From Covid 19, Emergency Operations Chief and lead our men and women who work the front lines Centers, and civil disturbance to large damaging wildfires every day. As a team, we are committed to the protection and within the wildland urban interfaces, the current state of service of our Placer County residents and we look forward to the future.

SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA | Summer 2020 | FIRE AND WATER | 15 CAL FIRE IS DOING OUR PART,

SETTING AN AMBITIOUS PACE FOR 2020

To fulfill Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-05- 19 issued on January 9, 2019, CAL FIRE released the Community Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Report. This report delivered recommendations to reduce public safety hazards associated with catastrophic wildfire and specifically prioritized 35 projects that will protect 200 of California’s most wildfire-vulnerable communities.

The North Fork American River Shaded Fuel Break Project is one of the thirty-five priority projects identified in this Report.

The North Fork American River Shaded Fuel Break is a fuel break that extends from the City of Auburn northeast parallel to HWY 80 along the predominate ridges that border the North Fork of the American River. Immediate implementation of this project is critical to protecting vulnerable communities, including the City of Colfax.

Fire history demonstrates that fires in this vicinity grew rapidly and became large. Rapid residential development between the mid 1970’s and mid 1990’s, coupled with decades of vegetation growth have created a high- risk wildfire environment. The resulting wildland urban interface condition requires immediate action to prevent future fires from endangering lives and property.

THE DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION SERVES AND SAFEGUARDS THE PEOPLE AND PROTECTS THE PROPERTY AND RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA

16 FIRE AND WATER | Summer 2020 | SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA WE NEED YOU TO DO YOUR PART!

Phase 1: 950 acre emergency fuel break project. | All phases: North Fork American River fuel break project.

TREATMENT METHODS AND EQUIPMENT THAT WILL BE USED:

This 950 acre project includes approximately 30% pile burning, 30% mastication (heavy equipment), 30% chipping and 10% biomass. Live and dead vegetative fuels will be treated to eliminate fuel ladders, decrease horizontal and vertical continuity of flammable vegetation, decrease flammability, and accelerate decomposition. The target post treatment average stand density is 75-100 square feet basal area on tree dominated sites.

On brush dominated sites, at least one bush or groups of brush shall be retained so that no point is further than 150 feet from a specimen. On poorly vegetated sites, one shrub or group of shrubs shall be retained so that no point is further than 30 feet from a live shrub. All conifer trees greater than 12 inches diameter breast height, hardwoods greater than 10 inches diameter breast height and brush greater than 8 inches stump diameter (6” above ground, uphill side) shall be retained unless: (1) A tree of any size is a direct threat to personnel safety or infrastructure, or (2) a Registered Professional Forester determines that an alternative standard better meets management objectives or improves the health of the forest stand, and (3) is identified prior to cutting by a Registered Professional Forester or supervised designee.

LEARN MORE: READYFORWILDFIRE.ORG | FIRE.CA.GOV

https://vimeo.com/416008110 https://resources.ca.gov/CNRALegacyFiles/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Signed-Packet-NEU-North-Fork-American-River-Project.pdf https://www.fire.ca.gov/media/5584/45-day-report-final.pdf

SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA | Summer 2020 | FIRE AND WATER | 17 The Water-Wise Home WaterSense-labeled fixtures ensure Each drop of water drawn from our local lakes, rivers and streams is precious. Here are some ways to both upgrade efficiency and performance. your lifestyle with high-efficiency products and fixtures while making water efficiency a way of life. pcwa.net bewatersmart.info nidwater.com roseville.ca.us/eu

TIPS! WaterSense Toilet Ready for an Upgrade? Saves 19 gallons Many water providers offer rebates to replace older water-wasting xtures and irrigation equipment per person/day Rain Sensor 1 Check and fix leaky toilets Automatically turns off your with high-ef ciency models. Ask your water provider or visit BeWaterSmart.info to learn more. Add food coloring to the tank. If the color sprinkler system when it rains. seeps into the bowl within 15 minutes, Saves 4,300 gallons per year your toilet is leaking. Flush quickly to WaterSense Showerhead Drip Irrigation avoid staining. Saves up to 1 gallon per minute Saves 15 gallons per 500 sq. ft. TIPS! Saves 30 to 50 gallons per day per toilet 2 each time you water 9 Replace Grass with Low-Water Trees & Plants 6 Look for and quickly repair leaks in your 2 Take five-minute showers WaterSense Faucet Saves 90 gallons per irrigation system Saves 9 gallons per shower with Saves 700 gallons 6 1,000 sq. ft. each time Saves 20 gallons per day/leak a water-efficient showerhead per year 3 1 you water

3 Turn off the faucet when brushing 7 Set mower blade to 3 inches Bathroom Aerator teeth or shaving Longer grass reduces evaporation. Saves 1.2 gallons Saves 8 gallons per day Saves 16 to 50 gallons per day per person/day

4 Fix leaky faucets 8 Water in the morning Saves 5 to 20 gallons per day/leak Hot Water Recirculating System 7 To beat evaporation from sun and wind. Gets hot water to the tap fast. Saves 50 gallons each time you water 4 Saves 7 gallons per person/day 5 Run the clothes washer and dishwasher only when full High-Efficiency Rotator Sprinklers 9 Check out the Smart Sprinkler Saves 2 to 4.5 gallons per load of dishes Saves over 2,300 gallons per 800 sq. ft. per year 8 Scheduler at BeWaterSmart.info Saves 15 to 45 gallons per load of laundry WaterSense Smart Sprinkler Timer To create a custom watering schedule Saves about 13,500 gallons per year 5 Sprinkler Heads Adjusted to based upon the weather. Water Plants not Pavement Also stops fertilizers and pesticides from Water-Efficient Faucet washing into the storm drain, which leads Saves 700 gallons per year 10 Cycle and Soak directly to our creeks, streams and rivers. Water in several shorter segments, Hose Shut-Off Nozzle Saves 40 gallons each time you water allowing water to soak in, rather than Saves 5 gallons per minute Kitchen Aerator one long cycle. Saves 0.5 gallons per minute Saves 12 to 40 gallons each time you water

Efficient Dishwasher Saves 3 to 8 gallons per load 10 Did you know... Most household water use occurs outdoors? There are lots of ways to save, but using High-Efficiency Clothes Washer Mulch water efficiently in the landscape can make Saves 15 to 45 gallons per load Add 2-3 inches of organic mulch. the biggest difference of all. Saves 30 gallons per 1,000 sq. ft. each time you water

18 FIRE AND WATER | Summer 2020 | SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA The Water-Wise Home WaterSense-labeled fixtures ensure Each drop of water drawn from our local lakes, rivers and streams is precious. Here are some ways to both upgrade efficiency and performance. your lifestyle with high-efficiency products and fixtures while making water efficiency a way of life. pcwa.net bewatersmart.info nidwater.com roseville.ca.us/eu

SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA | Summer 2020 | FIRE AND WATER | 19 PLACER COUNTY WATER AGENCY

NEW 40-YEAR LICENSE ISSUED FOR MIDDLE FORK AMERICAN RIVER PROJECT

n early June, the Federal Energy Regulatory Com- mission (FERC) issued a new 40-year operating Ilicense for the Middle Fork American River Project (MFP). The MFP is owned and operated by Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) and provides water supplies, clean hydroelectric power, public recreational opportunities and environmental stewardship for the people of Placer County and the region. PCWA, along with Placer County through the Middle Fork Project Finance Authority, oversee energy contracting and financial matters. The first license for the MFP was issued in 1963 - the same year construction began on the project. Issued by the then Federal Power Commission (now FERC), that license granted a 50-year operating window. The new license is the culmination of more than a decade of preparation and collaboration by PCWA and Placer County. “The process of getting a new FERC license is extremely rigorous,” explained Andy Fecko, PCWA’s General Manag- er. “We began our relicensing effort in 2005.” Over the following six years, project leaders hosted more than 300 stakeholder meetings to collaboratively develop

20 FIRE AND WATER | Summer 2020 | SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA PLACER COUNTY WATER AGENCY and reach agreement on new operating conditions. In 2011, PCWA filed its application with FERC for a new operating license. That application trig- gered the next step of environmental review, which included completion of both the California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act processes, and consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser- vice on potential impacts to endangered species. PCWA and Placer County completed those reviews in 2013 at a cost of over $30 million. Since 2013, PCWA and Placer County have been working with the Tahoe and Eldorado National Forests, where the MFP is located, to plan and develop improvements to implement upon receipt of the license. With the issuance of the new license, PCWA, Placer County, and other stakeholders can begin implementing the license requirements. Under the new license, PCWA will implement higher streamflows to support environmental and recreational resources, and a variety of improvements to recreation facilities including campgrounds, day use areas, and boat ramps. In addition, numerous infrastructure improvements, designed to enhance project operations and environmental conditions, will begin construction. The MFP is an essential resource for the prosperity of local communities. In addition to protecting the region’s natural resources for future generations, the new license assures that the MFP will continue to generate clean hydroelectric energy for the California grid and use the proceeds to improve water resilience throughout Placer County, including underserved rural communities. Located on the Middle Fork American River, and the Rubicon River, the MFP consists of five powerhouses, five diversion impoundments, five tunnels, and two reservoirs. It is the eighth largest public power project in California.

SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA | Summer 2020 | FIRE AND WATER | 21 We Partner for Fire Safety NID IS WORKING TO PROTECT THE COMMUNITY NEVADA IRRIGATION DISTRICT IS CREATING HEALTHIER Providing Fire Hydrants FORESTS & IMPROVING FIRE SAFETY Throughout the District, NID has installed 2,551 hydrants to help protect neighborhoods in the event of fires. Water to the hydrants is supplied by Working Collaboratively the treated water system. Is there an NID fire hydrant near you? Check out our locator map at NID has partnered with CALFIRE, the Sierra nidwater.com. Nevada Conservancy, U.S. Forest Service and others to implement forest thinning.

Reducing Fire Fuels Water for Firefighting Safe Recreation NID has cleared more than 1,000 acres and efforts continue to remove dead and dying trees, small Clearing Around Power Lines NID's sediment removal at reservoirs and other Visitors enjoying NID reservoirs and campgrounds diameter trees, and shrubs that compete with efforts have increased our water supply. Now, benefit from NID's high safety standards. NID larger trees for water. We are able to reduce the Keeping vegetation and hazard trees away from a more than 2.4 million gallons of NID water is personnel monitor and inspect campsites to enforce fuels for large fires and allow more water to flow primary power line is of utmost importance, and our available to air tankers to help combat wildfire campfire rules as well as educate visitors about fire through the watershed. When forests are team has been walking the line for years to manage regionally and around the state. safety. selectively thinned, they grow faster and capture vegetation and provide a safe clearing. Now, efforts more carbon, which helps to reduce global have increased to maximize protection against warming and other effects of climate change. wildfire. Subscribe for news and information on NID's projects and programs at nidwater.com.

22 FIRE AND WATER | Summer 2020 | SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA We Partner for Fire Safety NID IS WORKING TO PROTECT THE COMMUNITY NEVADA IRRIGATION DISTRICT IS CREATING HEALTHIER Providing Fire Hydrants FORESTS & IMPROVING FIRE SAFETY Throughout the District, NID has installed 2,551 hydrants to help protect neighborhoods in the event of fires. Water to the hydrants is supplied by Working Collaboratively the treated water system. Is there an NID fire hydrant near you? Check out our locator map at NID has partnered with CALFIRE, the Sierra nidwater.com. Nevada Conservancy, U.S. Forest Service and others to implement forest thinning.

SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA | Summer 2020 | FIRE AND WATER | 23 Preparedness through partnerships

North Fork American River Shaded Fuel Break

Whether it is discussing the increasing cost of fire insurance, forest health, preparation and planning, or protecting county resources, everyone has a part in the conversation. Partnerships and coordination are critical to ensuring Placer County is prepared.

Coordinating with local and state Prescribed Fire partners to prepare for wildfire

Preparing for wildfire takes all forms in Placer County. CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit / Placer County Fire Department, local fire districts, federal fire partners, cities, fire safe communities and Placer County all work toward creating and maintaining defensible space around homes and infrastructure, regional fuel breaks, fire education campaigns and more. One example is CAL FIRE’s North Fork American River Shaded Fuel Break. The project is designed to protect the residents of Placer County and help safeguard over 5,500 structures and critical infrastructure such as the Union Pacific Rail Line, Interstate 80, the Kinder Morgan Petroleum Pipeline, and Pacific Gas and Electric power and water infrastructure that serves approximately 500,000 customers. Working together on forest restoration and water conservation French Meadows The French Meadows Project is a forest restoration and fuels reduction project located in the headwaters of the Middle Fork American River in the Tahoe National Forest. It is an extensive public-private partnership of numerous regional and federal partners - all working together to not only improve the health and resilience of a vital municipal watershed, but also to address critical barriers to increas- Middle Fork, Courtesy of PCWA, Brie Anne Coleman ing the pace and scale of forest restoration in the Sierra.

The Middle Fork Project is a multi-purpose water supply and hydro-generation project designed to conserve and control waters of the Middle Fork American River, the Rubicon River, and several associated tributary streams.

24 FIRE AND WATER | Summer 2020 | SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA Combining efforts to reduce wildfire risk

Placer County partners with the Placer County Parks Division’s The Placer County Office of Placer County Environmental Placer Resource Conservation goat grazing program is an en- Emergency Services runs the Utilities Division’s green waste District on multiple programs, vironmentally friendly option for Tree Mortality program in coor- recycling program helps res- one being the low-cost Chipper open space management and dination with the Public Works idents reach their defensible Program to help homeowners fire risk reduction. Department to remove dead or space goals. improve their defensible space. dying trees on county land.

Placer County Firewise Communities Placer County has one of the largest networks of Firewise USA communities in the state ur un resdens rde e s ue run r deen eee rnerss e er Cun re Se ne s de u eder se nd enes nd un rners sur resdens reredness ers ru rese Cunes nd re Se Cuns s erresene e ned

In 2019, Firesafe Community members

48 Completed 37,192 community service hours OFFICIAL FIREWISE COMMUNITIES Hosted 25 educational meetings and 9 fi re safe events 26,225 + FIRESAFE COMMUNITY Received $1,394,718 of grant funding, contributing 59 MEMBERS to $3,497,310 of wildfi re risk reduction investment MORE Cleared 66,838 cubic yards of potentially IN VARIOUS STAGES fl ammable debris throughout the county OF FORMATION

Preparedness starts at home The Placer Alert public notification system, operated by Visit ReadyPlacer.org to learn more about what the county the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, is vital for informing is doing and what you can do to ensure you are prepared. residents during an emergency. Be prepared and sign Put together emergency supply kits in an easy-to-carry “go up for notifications at PlacerAlert.org. bag” so you’re ready to go at a moment’s notice in the event of a wildfire or other disaster.

SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA | Summer 2020 | FIRE AND WATER | 25 TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST

A portion of the French Meadows project, post initial forest health treatment. In this location, hazardous fuels have been cut and consolidated into piles for prescribed fire burning. French Meadows Reservoir is just visible in the background.

n May of 2019, smoke rose above the mixed conifer lize to restore our National Forests and reestablish resilience forest north of Foresthill Divide Road on the Tahoe to catastrophic wildfire, forest disease, and drought,” said INational Forest’s American River Ranger District. Michael Woodbridge, American River District Ranger. “The Beneath the tall pines, the forest floor hummed with activity. ongoing Deadwood project will continue to be a visible exam- Fire snapped and popped in the understory burning a buildup ple of this work through 2020 and beyond, and we will begin of dead pine needles, underbrush, and other hazardous fuels. implementing prescribed fire in the French Meadows Partner- Wielding tools and donning personal protective equipment, ship project at a greater scale this year.” Tahoe National Forest wildland firefighters spread across the landscape near the flames. Radios crackled with instructions FIRE ADAPTED ECOSYSTEMS as the crews narrowed in on their target. These wildland firefighters were not suppressing the flames Natural fire is a vital ecological process within the Tahoe though. They were tending them. With drip torches in hand, National Forest and across the Sierra Nevada. Historically, low the same firefighters who spend most of the year battling blaz- and medium-intensity wildfires occurred frequently, ignites across the country had purposely ignited this fire as part ed by lighting or native peoples. The Tahoe National Forest of the Deadwood Project, a series of prescribed underburns landscape evolved with fire; the shrublands and mixed-conifer planned and managed by the Tahoe National Forest. forest historically relied on low and medium-intensity fire to remain healthy and resilient. In 2019, the Tahoe National Forest burned more acres through prescribed fire activities than any other prior year– more than 6,000 acres in total. Many of those prescribed fires NATURAL FIRE MAINTAINED FOREST RESILIENCE took place on the American River Ranger District surrounding Like nature’s clean-up crew, natural fire reduced surface Foresthill. Due to weather and the ongoing Covid-19 pan- and ladder fuels (small trees that allow fire to climb from the demic, the Tahoe National Forest will not reach 6,000 acres forest floor into the tree canopy) and, because of its frequen- in 2020, but many prescribed fires are still planned for this cy, reburned areas before these fuels could accumulate to coming fall. unhealthy levels. As modern society spread throughout the “Prescribed fire is one of the most important tools we uti- Sierra Nevada, wildfire was deemed harmful and suppressed. Most natural fire–including beneficial low and medium-inten-

26 FIRE AND WATER | Summer 2020 | SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST

“WE WILL BEGIN IMPLEMENTING PRESCRIBED FIRE IN THE FRENCH MEADOWS PARTNERSHIP PROJECT AT A GREATER SCALE THIS YEAR.”

Dead and down fuels accumulate on the forest floor.

sity fire–has been suppressed for more than 150 years. The re- tional Forest landscape can reestablish forest resilience. Before sult of this suppression can be seen across much of the Tahoe fire is reintroduced, however, the surrounding forest is usually National Forest: an overabundance of ladder fuels, brush, and thinned or ‘treated,’ as part of an initial forest health project. down fuels combined with excess tree growth. This buildup of Forest health projects utilize a host of different treatments to hazardous fuel and overgrowth can lead to large catastrophic initially remove many hazardous fuels, including mechanical wildfires, negative effects from drought, and the spread of thinning, mastication, and hand thinning. harmful disease and parasites. In the French Meadows Partnership project, a large collabo- rative project planned and implemented by the Tahoe National THE REINTRODUCTION OF FIRE AND FOREST HEALTH PROJECTS Forest, Placer County Water Agency, Placer County, Ameri- can River Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy and Sierra Restoring low and medium-intensity fire to the Tahoe Na- Nevada Research Institute, more than 12,000 acres are being

A Tahoe National Forest wildland firefighter ignites a prescribed underburn as part of the Deadwood project, a series of planned prescribed fires. Prescribed underburns reintroduce low or medium intensity fire that benefits fire adapted ecosystems.

SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA | Summer 2020 | FIRE AND WATER | 27 TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST

Pine needles, brush and small trees are consumed by low or moderate intensity prescribed fire. treated to increase forest health. Many of these treatments have already occurred or are happening now. In total, more than 7,000 acres of the French Meadows Part- nership project will experience a reintroduction of fire’s crucial ecological role through various prescribed fire activities. Pre- scribed fire activities are planned for this fall and will continue through at least 2028, often following successful forest health treatments. The goal, in fact, is to regular- ly return to treated areas with secondary Vegetation, such as ferns, brush and and tertiary pre- small trees, thrive the year following a scribed fires –thereby prescribed burn. maintaining forest resilience for years to come.

28 FIRE AND WATER | Summer 2020 | SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST

The Tahoe National Forest reduces the risk of wildfire across the forest, throughout the year, through forest health projects utilizing a host of different treatments, including prescribed fire, mechanical thinning, mastication, and hand thinning.

A view from the air. Smoke rising from a Deadwood Project underburn. The Tahoe National Forest reintroduced prescribed fire to over 6,000 acres in 2019.

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SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA | Summer 2020 | FIRE AND WATER | 29 CITY OF ROSEVILLE: WATER FUTURE

BUILDING ON ROsEVILLE'S PAST, SECURING WaTEr FOr THE FUTURe

ince purchasing a private water company back in the early 1900s, Roseville has continued its track record of compre- Shensive water planning to maintain the quality and reliable ROSEVILLE’S CURRENT WATER SUPPLIES service customers have grown to expect. We receive our water from Folsom Lake through a Our city’s inception was a result of the railroad boom, but the contract with the United States Bureau of Reclamation need for utility services helped build this community along the way. (Reclamation). In addition to securing an indefinite water service contract with Reclamation, we also receive As our community continues to thrive economically, sustained additional surface water from Placer County Water utility service expansion is necessary. To meet the future challenges Agency from sources in the upper American River. We head on, we’re implementing a multi-faceted water supply strategy also have a growing groundwater program to comple- – known as Roseville’s Water Future Initiative – because we must ment our surface water supplies and produce recycled keep pace with ongoing changes. water primarily for irrigation. Part of our strategy today pays tribute to the pioneers of the past but also acknowledges the need to manage water supplies much like your stock portfolio. Diversifying water sources – having access to more surface water, groundwater, and purified wastewater – will allow us to use water interchangeably and with local control depend- ing on water supply conditions. CITY OF ROSEVILLE: WATER FUTURE

ROSEVILLE JOINS OTHER AMERICAN RIVER WATER CONTRACTORS AT FOLSOM RESERVOIR FOR THE SIGNING OF A PERMANENT WATER CONTRACT WITH THE BUREAU OF RECLAMATION.

WHY WE NEED TO BUILD IN RELIABLE WATER SUPPLIES NOW water can be stored in Folsom Reservoir – the primary source Although Roseville’s water supplies are more reliable than of our water supply in Roseville. many California communities, factors creating uncertainty over how much water we can use are growing. RANGE OF WATER SUPPLY OPTIONS WE’RE BUILDING, “Emerging from the most recent drought in the 2010s, PLANNING FOR planning for more weather extremes and variability is critical Having all water infrastructure – water, wastewater, recycled to our future water supply availability,” said Sean Bigley, assis- water, stormwater – under one integrated utility service allows tant director for water. “Developing flexible and reliable water us to be more innovative because we can manage water at every supplies will help us create reliability now and as economic stage of use. growth continues in our community. Having reliable water supplies is an essential ingredient towards economic vitality.” • SEEKING WAYS TO DIVERSIFY SURFACE WATER: In addition to managing climate change and a growing Rose- We are evaluating ways to diversify water supplies by par- ville, changes in regulatory requirements will remain constant, ticipating in regional and statewide infrastructure projects including managing our groundwater resources sustainably to relieve overall pressure on water supplies for communi- and keeping pace with water-use efficiency rules. ties in our region. For example, we are working alongside Many of these changes have direct impacts on how much Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) to obtain water from CITY OF ROSEVILLE: WATER FUTURE

its future Ophir Water Treatment Plant as well as share a gallons annually. Because we have more recycled water to board seat on statewide storage opportunities as part of the use, we are examining the best way to expand this program proposed Sites Reservoir. to increase year-round usage of this vital water supply resource. • GROWING GROUNDWATER STORAGE AND USE: In the next two years, we’re expanding our groundwater • ENCOURAGING CUSTOMERS TO USE WATER WISELY: program to include more well sites throughout Roseville. A key component of our water management strategies is Our program uses technology to both store drinking water continued partnerships with our business and residents within the groundwater basin and extract it for later use to maximize the efficient use of water through education, – effectively creating a go-to water resource regardless of rebates, and other programs. weather conditions. What is clear is that ensuring water reliability for Roseville will require us to do even more to diversify water sources, • EVALUATING IDEAS TO EXPAND RECYCLED WATER: use water efficiently, and build water infrastructure under Since the early 1990s, we have produced recycled water for our control. beneficial uses and have grown to distribute one billion

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32 FIRE AND WATER | Summer 2020 | SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR OF AUBURN Auburn residents join together to become Firewise

mbers flying in the air. A strong smell of smoke. The The benefits of a Firewise Community include: piercing sound of responding sirens. These are the signs • Support analyzing wildfire risk and get steps to reduce them of a raging wildfire. By this point, preparation efforts are E • Help neighbors work together and take action to reduce wild- futile. Immediate evacuation is the only option. fire risk Each year wildfires ravage California’s landscape, threatening communities and destroying hundreds, if not thousands of homes. • Access to neighborhood resources to remove brush from clean- For many in the Auburn area, stopping this cycle has become their up activities. mission and, in return, have made their homes and neighborhoods • Eligible for grant funding “Firewise.” • Potential reduction in fire insurance costs That mission starts with 100 feet of Defensible Space. Defensible Becoming a Firewise Community is easy. Start a dialogue with Space is the area around a home cleared of all dead or dying vege- your neighbors about reducing wildfire risk or bring it up at your tation like weeds, brush and even trees. This 100-foot zone around next homeowner’s association meeting. There are resources and the home also includes limbed trees with branches six feet from the people who can help. The Greater Auburn Area Fire Safe Council ground, as well as the removal of leaves, needles and debris from was established for this very reason. Made up of residents and fire roofs and gutters. officials, the council can help neighborhoods address their specific For several years now, neighbors along the American River fire risk, recommend steps to reduce it, and coordinate community Canyon in Auburn from Robie Point to Aeolia Heights have been work. The council meets on the third Friday of every month at City working together to reduce fire risk. What started as a grassroots Hall at 9 a.m. Come join us! effort is now known as “Project Canyon Safe.” Barbecues and pot- You can learn more at www.Firewise.org. There is also a great lucks raise funds to support Project Canyon Safe. Careful planning website that will give you the steps to take to protect yourself, your provides the framework for a community day of clearing brush and family and your home; www.ReadyForWildfire.org. cutting down weeds. If you are like me, you live in Auburn because of the serene This neighborhood-based approach to reduce wildfire risk is lifestyle and endless amounts of beautiful scenery. Clearing dead occurring in California and the nation. It has proven to be an excel- weeds and brush is a small price to pay to live in such a beautiful lent tool to prepare homes and neighborhoods against catastrophic part of the State. wildfire. The national Firewise USA® Program teaches people how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work Daniel Berlant is the Mayor of Auburn and Chair of the Greater Auburn Area together and take action now to reduce the risk. Fire Safe Council. He can be reached at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENT TO GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA | Summer 2020 | FIRE AND WATER | 33 Keep your property safe with... AR-17 Landscaping

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